The Spirit of Buzz, United Planet’s First Chair of the Board

Music has long brought people of different cultures together, a common language with which to understand one another.  No one knew that better than United Planet’s first Chair of the Board Basil L. Livas, or, as he was affectionately known, “Buzz.”  Buzz helped guide United Planet through its early years, until his passing in 2006.  Dave Santulli, founder and executive director of United Planet, fondly notes,

[Buzz] was committed to doing his best to make the world a better place, especially for future generations.  Buzz infused his world with humor.  If you met Buzz in person, you better be prepared for a hug.  He preferred hugs over handshakes…United Planet will be forever grateful for the contributions that Buzz made to the foundation of United Planet.

Buzz was a successful management consultant in his professional career, devoting his time to “turn around” strategy development for corporations, leadership development, and decision-making science. But he was more. Buzz was also a poet and songwriter.  Inspired by United Planet’s mission, he composed the lyrics to the song Freedom’s Child.   His words beautifully expressed his dream for a better life for children.  No matter where we live or what culture we are from, we can all understand his urgent call and be inspired to take action with his lyrics:

So listen now to their needs, 
Help them plant the growing seeds, 
And give yourself on every day 
To take the children’s hurts away. 

Now in chorus millions strong, 
Carry Freedom’s Child along, 
To love each other and to see 
How wonderful our world can be! 
 

Whether it be volunteering abroad or helping each other in our local communities, we can all help to plant growing seeds, and we can all learn from each other. All of us at United Planet would like to take this time to honor Buzz for all he has done for us and for the global community. Thank you, Buzz.

Freedom’s Child (Full Lyrics)
Lyrics by B.L. Livas
Music by Tamara J. Rozek

(Verse 1)
Freedom’s Child is everywhere
Slight of form with flaxen hair;
Short and stocky, tall and slim,
Red hair for her and black for him!
Skins the rainbow’s colors, too,
Muslim Buddhist Christian Jew.

The children of the world are gold,
With minds alive, and faith untold!
And we, their fortune in our hands,
Must bring them Peace in all the lands.Free their goodness, hear their dreams,
They’re us, we’re them, and so it seems
That Freedom’s Child is everywhere,
And they can teach the world to care!

So listen now to their voice,
And let them show us Freedom’s Choice,
From Russia’s steppe to Boston’s shore,
Hear the children chant, implore…

All you nations join our song,
And carry Freedom’s Child along,
To love each other and to see,
How wonderful our world can be!

(Verse 2)
Freedom’s Child’s a wondrous one,
The morning dew, a rising sun,
A hope, a dream, a carousel!
A waiting life with Faith to sell,
Languages of every tongue,
Songs awaiting to be sung!

The children of the world are bold,
They only need our hands to hold!
And we, beside them on their way,
Must speak to them with love and say…

Use your goodness all as one,
Throw away the bomb and gun;
For Freedom’s Child is everywhere,
And they can teach the world to share!

So listen now to their plea
For freedom now on land and sea,
Bring the children to your hearts,
For that is how their music starts!

Now in chorus millions strong,
Carry Freedom’s Child along!
To love each other and to see
How wonderful our world can be!

(Verse 3)
Freedom’s Child’s a child of light,
Who brings a heart so clean and bright!
Sparkling face where dreams abound,
Beaming love on all around.
Waking hearts that need to care,
Calling us act and dare!

Some children of the world are cold,
Some have no food and some are sold!
And we with joy and peace to bring,
Must open up our hearts and sing…

We must love all children too,
We must make their dreams come true,
For Freedom’s Child is everywhere,
And they can teach a world unfair!

So listen now to their shout,
Free them from a life of doubt.
From Kosovo to Kabul’s place,
See the children’s lonely face.

All you nations join our song,
And carry Freedom’s Child along,
To love each other and to see
How wonderful our world can be!

(Verse 4)
Freedom’s Child can show the way,
And bring us all the light of day!
We must hear the smallest voice,
Their safety is our only choice.
And listen not to those who’d harm
The children from each town and farm!

Some children of the world are told
They must starve and not grow old.
But we with strength of will and mood
Can change their lives with love’s own food.

Now their songs will fly and soar,
And teach us all to love them more!
For Freedom’s Child is everywhere
With sweetest voices in the air!

So listen now to their needs,
Help them plant the growing seeds,
And give yourself on every day
To take the children’s hurts away.

Now in chorus millions strong,
Carry Freedom’s Child along,
To love each other and to see
How wonderful our world can be!